We aim to produce excellent beef cattle and genetics so our customers can prosper with increased yields, breeding ease and longevity. Our goal is to develop a genetically superior core herd pairing these individually with exciting new genetics as well as reintroducing proven genetics that express desirable genotypic and phenotypic traits.
We aim to use advanced techniques such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Embryo Flushing, Live or Frozen Embryo Transfer (ET) and Artificial Insemination (AI) to advance our core herd using specially selected local and imported genetic material.
Phenotypically, we select for desirable physical traits such as foot and leg structure, length, depth, softness, early growth, docility, fertility and carcass quality. We use and study EBV data and breed databases to optimise our matings and constantly improve these phenotypic traits in our core breeders.
Genotypically, we research and select for known genetic markers shown to improve these phenotypic traits in beef cattle. We can tailor this to the needs of our customers and in turn contribute to the advancement of the Speckle Park breed as a whole.
We select against red coat colour and horn gene carriers but are neutral and inclusive when it comes to myostatin carriers and black coat colour.
We select favourably for Leptin T, PMCH A, IGF2 C and CRH G alleles and our entire herd is screened for these markers in addition to the standard genetic testing required by the breed society.
In late 2020 we purchased 16 heifers and 1 cow from a variety of stud breeders in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. This core group was specifically selected to incorporate a wide variety of available Speckle Park genetics at the time. Their pedigrees included many of the great sires of the breed including; Stands Alone, Walker, Lacerta, Caja Zepelin and Putnam. They also included some of the great females of the breed including Teeka, Reeba, Lightning Lady and Gracelands. To date we’ve retained 14 of the original group and have grown our core breeding herd to 40 head.
Over the last 4 years we’ve used a number of AI sires either locally sourced or imported from Canda and New Zealand. These AI sires were specifically selected to add targeted physical characteristics and specific genetic markers to our females and in turn produce superior bulls and frozen genetics for sale. The following bulls have all played their own part in our program so far;
Dangit Matters, Gin Gin Manitoba, River Hill Line Drive, River Hill Walker, Notta Hawkeye, Notta Cause n Effect, Maungahina Northern Star, DAM Dots Electric, JSF Unmarked, Maungahina Premier, Moovin Spotz Dart and Mt Barr Eddie the Eagle.
We have teamed these up with own home bred bulls The Spaniard, Super Fly, Jim Slade, Shadow Beyond and currently King Tut, Truth or Consequences and U Grant. As we move forward these bulls will move on to new homes and be replaced by the best of future generations.
